The Centre is considering legal action over the release and public screenings of Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj, with sources claiming the film was released without obtaining a valid certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
According to government sources, the CBFC had suggested 127 cuts to the film during the certification process. However, the makers allegedly did not incorporate the proposed changes, and no certificate was issued for Satluj.
Despite this, the film was released on Zee5 and has since been screened at multiple locations, prompting the government to examine possible legal action, sources said. Sources further said that state governments have been asked to take action wherever the film is being screened without the necessary certificate.
The Controversy So Far
The development comes days after Satluj was taken down from streaming platform Zee5 in India shortly after its release. The film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was removed from the platform within two days, with Zee5 citing “current circumstances” without offering further details.
Following the OTT takedown, community organisations announced that Satluj would be screened at gurdwaras across five states to ensure the film reaches audiences. The initiative was launched to keep alive the story of Khalra, who exposed the alleged illegal cremations during Punjab’s militancy era.
PIL Filed in High Court
Meanwhile, a public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking the restoration of Satluj on Zee5. The petition alleges that the film was removed from the platform without any publicly disclosed statutory, judicial or governmental order and seeks its restoration along with disclosure of the reasons behind the takedown.
The controversy surrounding the film has drawn attention to the broader issues of censorship, certification, and the role of streaming platforms in India. While OTT platforms have generally operated with greater flexibility compared to theatrical releases, the Satluj case raises questions about the legal framework governing digital content and the extent to which streaming services must adhere to certification requirements.
The Film’s Subject Matter
Satluj is based on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who documented alleged extrajudicial killings and illegal cremations during the militancy era in Punjab. The film has been praised for its powerful storytelling and Diljit Dosanjh’s performance, but its controversial subject matter has also made it a flashpoint for debates about freedom of expression, historical narratives, and state accountability.
The CBFC’s suggestion of 127 cuts reportedly included changes to the title, references to Punjab, and the identity of the real-life protagonist. The makers’ refusal to comply with these demands led to the film being released without certification, leading to the current legal and political controversy.
What Lies Ahead
As the government examines possible legal action and the PIL proceeds in the High Court, the fate of Satluj remains uncertain. The case could have significant implications for the Indian film and OTT industry, potentially clarifying the legal obligations of streaming platforms and the extent of state regulation over digital content.
For now, community screenings continue across gurdwaras, keeping the film’s story alive even as its official release remains stalled. The controversy shows no signs of dying down, with both supporters and critics of the film digging in for what could be a prolonged legal and political battle.
